Voices of Change: Daniel from Phoenix, Arizona, USA
"The vibrant pulse of community events, outdoor markets, and leisurely strolls through parks was no more"
What is your name and where are from?
My name is Daniel Bendheim, and I am from Phoenix, USA .
Have you heard the term Climate change?
I am student of environmental studies at Tel Aviv University; I encounter the term climate change almost every day.
What is the climate over there?
Phoenix, USA, etched a new chapter in climate history with the intense summer of 2023. I am witness to this meteorological milestone, sharing a tale of a city struggling with the relentless heat that reshaped not just our weather records but the very essence of daily life.
Do you guys see any changes in the climate during past few years
The numbers speak volumes – a record-breaking 31 consecutive days where the mercury soared to 110 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. The extreme heatwave cast its relentless spell, rendering the outdoors an inhospitable terrain. In a city known for its outdoor pursuits, people found themselves confined to indoors, seeking refuge from the oppressive heat. The vibrant pulse of community events, outdoor markets, and leisurely strolls through parks was no more. During those summer days, the humming of air conditioners became the soundtrack of survival. The collective hum echoed a necessity, a lifeline against the intense heat outside. In the quest for relief, energy consumption soared, marking an increased demand during extreme weather events. The very comfort sought indoors came at a cost, intertwining our adaptation with the broader challenge of sustainable energy usage.
What does your family think about the climate change?
In recent years, it was of course a topic of discussion with family and friends. The impact rippled through the fabric of our routines. Outdoor activities, once a staple of our desert lifestyle, took a U-turn, giving way to an indoor existence. The evenings, which once beckoned with cooler temperatures, now retained the day's heat, creating an extension of the daytime challenge. The cityscape transformed into a nocturnal retreat, where the rhythm of life adjusted to the pulse of air-conditioned respite.
What is your opinion on climate change, why does it occur, and what is the main cause?
In the face of this climatic trial, the resilience of the Phoenix community shone through. Conversations shifted from casual weather updates to discussions on sustainable practices and climate-conscious choices. The collective experience of enduring the hottest summer on record became a catalyst for a community-wide dialogue on the need for adaptation and a sustainable future. As I reflect on those scorching days, I recognize the duality of our existence in Phoenix. We are a city that thrives in the face of extreme heat, forging a path toward sustainable coexistence with our desert environment. The hottest summer on record becomes an important chapter, a turning point where adaptation and sustainability emerge as guiding principles in the unfolding narrative of Phoenix – a city rising to the challenge, both in the heat of the moment and in the pursuit of a resilient future
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